Hang in there, darlings – I know life is hectic right now, but it won’t last forever! It’s all because not one, one, two, but six retrogrades are happening right now.
Any astrology buff’s least favorite time is when the retrogrades start piling up like a tube of Pringles. A single retrograde isn’t that bad, and in fact, a retrograde can actually be charming. We all need to spend some time rolling slowly and taking stock of what’s happening in the world relative to where we stand. Retrogrades are a time in astrology when planets appear to be moving backwards in their orbits from our POV here on Earth – an optical illusion. In my practice of astrology, retrogrades are meant to reassess, revise, ponder and refresh the themes of the retrograde planet. (Yes, each planet has a different theme!)
Your Mercury Retrograde Survival Kit
‘Sorry I can’t. Mercury is retrograde’ sweatshirt in red
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Mercury retrograde crystal set
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Mercury Retrograde Socks
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The Mercury Retrograde Book
“F*ck Off, Mercury” wall hanging
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Mercury Retrograde Neutralizer Candle
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May your Mercury be more Freddie and less retrograde mug
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Mercury Retrograde Essential Oil Roller
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By the way, the sun and moon never seem to move backwards because they are stars and not planets. What happiness is for us! Astrologically, this translates as a reminder that we are always moving forward with our purpose and our feelings. The sun represents the center of ourselves, our ego, and the moon symbolizes our emotions.
So, about those retrogrades! Currently, there are six retrograde planets: Mercury, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto. Rather than acting as focal devices to remember the central functions of our ego and emotions, such as the sun and moon, the planets are tools to help us study how our soul functions. Mercury represents how we think, Jupiter is how we acquire knowledge and Saturn is how we work. These planets are considered inner planets because they are closer to the sun and represent parts of our personality. The outer planets Uranus, Neptune and Pluto represent the generational cohorts into which we were born. Think of their retrogrades as a call to action to check in with your communities and re-evaluate how you’re emerging for the general collective (aka people who don’t fall into your inner circle).
Here’s a quick rundown of how to make the most of this retrograde season. Oh, and Mars Retrograde is right around the corner, so this guide includes a warning about that too.
All retrogrades happening now: Mercury Retrograde
Dates: September 9 – October 2, 2022
Signs: Libra (September 9 – September 23, 2022) and Virgo (September 23 – October 2, 2022)
This Mercury Retrograde challenges you to recognize how you have jumped to inappropriate conclusions thanks to bias and fantasy. Mercury retrogrades are for reviewing the past to understand how your present thinking determines your future choices. Considering how you’ve developed your understanding of what’s fair and right is just a great first step to exploring how your logic differs from the one around you. Being open to new ideas and perspectives is exactly how you evolve your thinking!
Jupiter retrograde
Dates: July 28 – November 23, 2022
Signs: Aries (July 28 – October 28, 2022) and Pisces (October 28 – November 23, 2022)
Jupiter Retrograde promotes a deeper exploration of our life philosophies and how we use knowledge to navigate our world. Is it possible that you are on some hidden gems? When Jupiter enters Pisces at the start of the Scorpio season, you need to make time to consider the limitations of those around you. Is there information missing that, when discovered, could be a catalyst for someone’s glow?
Saturn retrograde
Dates: June 4 – October 23, 2022
Sign: Aquarius
Saturn Retrograde represents the need to assess how you work, how well you work, and what you can do to improve your work. Flawless workers don’t have to worry about this retrograde, LOL! Knowing your work style is the first step to gaining confidence in what you bring to the table. By determining how your personality and skills influence your perspective and work method, you can gain insight into the best application of your talents.
Uranus retrograde
Dates: August 19, 2021 – January 22, 2023
Sign: Taurus
The outer planets represent what is happening externally, in the collective. Uranus, the planet of confusion and rebellion, is retrograde in Taurus, which may provide some context for the unthinkable events that are about to begin. Between humanitarian crises such as the Martha’s Vineyard fiasco, the rise of extremism and an imminent recession, deep considerations must be made about issues related to finance, land and other natural treasures. Check in with yourself and the people around you. Even if you get radio silence, all people need is to know that someone cares about you.
Neptune Retrograde
Dates: June 28 – December 3, 2022
Sign: Pisces
Neptune is the planet of illusions and inspiration, so the retrograde is a good time to think about how to get inspiration or get demotivated. Your motivation may be influenced by how much or little you know about someone or something. Make sure you don’t think small or limit your dreams – chances are you can achieve a lot more than you think. Imagine the world you want to live in and then work backwards.
Pluto retrograde
Dates: April 29 – October 8, 2022
Sign: Capricorn
Is death actually possible? From a biological perspective, duh. Philosophically, complete death occurs when we stop thinking or thinking about a person or thing. When we refuse to pronounce a name, time intrinsically buries the unspoken. Pluto Retrograde is a good time for you to think about what and with whom you want to speak life. Your energy is valuable and shedding is the first step to moving forward and enabling new growth.
And soon… Mars Retrograde
Dates: October 30, 2022 – January 12, 2023
Sign: Gemini
Sometimes we feel that we need to constantly move, improve and make things happen. Mars Retrograde is the time to reflect on your past achievements and send little reminders to let people know what you’ve been up to! Building your network doesn’t start when you meet someone new. It starts with the experiences you have gained. How you use these experiences when connecting with others makes for more interesting conversations.
Monisha Holmes Astrologer Monisha “Six” Holmes is an astrologer and Master of Social Work (MSW) who is concerned with love, relationships and well-being.
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